Clearlake officer involved in high-speed chase with suspected burglar

CLEARLAKE -- A person suspected of a burglary was involved in a high-speed chase with a police officer before escaping Friday morning.

At approximately 2 a.m., officers from the Clearlake Police Department (CPD) received a call regarding a burglary at a home on Weyland Avenue, near Old Highway 53, according to CPD Sgt. Nick Bennett.

The reporting party said numerous tools and items were taken from his garage, and his white, 2002 Cadillac El Dorado and white, 2005 Dodge Dakota pickup truck were stolen, Bennett stated.

Sgt. Rodd Joseph proceeded south on Highway 53 toward the intersection with Old Highway 53, south of Wayland Way.

As he approached the intersection, Joseph allegedly saw a white, Dodge Dakota pickup truck approach and drive through the intersection from Old Highway 53 and proceed northbound on Highway 53. The truck allegedly fit the description of one of the stolen vehicles, and Joseph turned his police car around to follow the truck.

The truck allegedly reached a speed of more than 70 mph and Joseph activated his emergency lights and sirens to conduct a traffic stop.

The driver reportedly did not yield and turned east onto 18th Avenue. The truck was reportedly traveling at such a high rate of speed that the driver was unable to control the vehicle and drove up an embankment near the intersection, according to Bennett.

Joseph parked his patrol car behind the truck to prevent the driver from escaping. The driver reportedly put the truck into reverse and rammed the front of the patrol vehicle. Joseph then reportedly attempted to push the truck back toward the embankment to pin it, but the driver was able to escape.

The pursuit continued eastbound to the intersection of 18th Avenue and Wilkerson Avenue, at which point the roadway ended and the driver continued onto dirt paths, Bennett stated.

Because of road conditions, Joseph was unable to follow the truck and proceeded to follow the trail where the truck had driven, Bennett stated.

Joseph located the truck about a quarter mile into the trail unoccupied with a broken axle and other severe damages

Joseph requested a CPD K-9 unit to assist in a search of the area for the suspect.

Officer Michael Ray's K-9 partner Harley followed a scent trail from the truck for approximately one mile, but the suspect was unable to be located, Bennett stated.

Officers Tomas Riley and Bobi Thompson also assisted with the investigation, and California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers and Lake County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) deputies assisted in establishing a perimeter of the area.

The truck and stolen items were processed for evidence and suspect leads.

All the recovered property and the Dodge Dakota were returned to the owner, Bennett stated.

The 2002 Cadillac El Dorado has not been located.

A report in regard to this case has been taken for the felony violations of burglary and assault on a police officer, as well as vehicle theft and evasion of a police officer.